Plumber&#39;s Neck Putter with a Double Offset

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a plumber&#39;s neck putter having a putter head, and a hosel. The putter head includes a heel end, a toe end opposite to the heel end, a putting face, a rear surface opposite to the putting face, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The hosel attaches the putter head to a shaft. The hosel includes a first portion, a second portion and a socket having an opening. The first portion extends upwards from the top surface of the putter head. The second portion extends from the first portion in a forward direction relative to the putting face and forms a horizontal offset that extends towards the heel end of the putter head. The opening in the socket is configured on the second portion to receive the shaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of golf equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a design of a putter hosel and a putter incorporating the hosel.

Description of the Related Art

Golf club heads come in many different forms such as metal-woods, irons, utility or hybrid or specialty-type clubs, and putters. The plumbers neck hosel is a well-known component of many differing styles of putters among professional golfers and the golf industry. The design generally features a single offset from the putter connection point forward of the putter face. Putters with a traditional plumbers neck are available in both blade and mallet configurations typically with the hosel mounted toward the heel of the putter.

A plumbers neck putter may be positioned to give the putter a varying degree of toe hang to suit players with an arc putting stroke however the plumbers neck location and height can be varied to produce a putter that is face balanced.

Putters are also governed by the rules of golf set by the United States Golf Association (“USGA”). The rules include the heel-toe dimension, forward offset limits, the front-to-back dimension, the neck length, the face angle, and the lie angle. Also, the putter shall not be substantially different from the customary and traditional form.

A putter shaft can be straight or curved as it approaches the putter head. A shaft can be mounted anywhere from the heel to the center of the putter head. A shaft can also be mounted into a hosel, the joint that extends from the putter head. Depending on how the shaft curves or how the hosel is constructed, a putter can have varying degrees of offset.

For a putter with no offset, the leading edge of the shaft is in direct line with the leading edge of the putter face when looking down at the putter. In a putter with offset, the leading edge of the shaft is slightly ahead of the putter face when looking down.

Conventional plumber's neck putters have a one-dimensional offset forward from the face of the neck putter.

What is needed is an improved design for a plumber's neck putter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the above described need by providing a double offset plumber's neck putter where the plumber's neck hosel can be mounted near the center of the plumber's neck putter head instead of near the heel and can still achieve a face balanced or toe balanced set up by varying the amount of rear offset. This horizontal offset may be customized to allow any degree of toe hang. Secondly, the leading edge of the horizontal (forward) offset, which is perpendicular to the face of the putter head, and aligned over the center of gravity of the putter head, provides a simple visual mechanism for alignment of the face and consistent location of the handle at set up.

One object of the embodiments of the disclosed invention is to provide a plumber's neck hosel that has a double offset.

Another object of the disclosed invention is to provide a plumber's neck hosel that has a two dimensional offset both forward off the face and horizontally towards the heel.

Yet another object is to provide a plumber's neck hosel that can be mounted near the center of the putter head instead of near the heel and can still achieve a face balanced or toe hang balanced setup by varying the amount of the horizontal offset.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide provides a simple visual mechanism for alignment of the face of the putter and for consistent location of the handle at setup.

As disclosed in this application, the inventor has discovered a novel and unique double offset plumber's neck hosel, which exhibits superlative properties in design, alignment and overall performance.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a double offset plumber's neck hosel and putter disclosed herein and as defined in the annexed claims which provide two dimensional offset both forward off the face and horizontally towards the heel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a double offset plumber's neck hosel of simple but effective construction that provides two-dimensional offset both forward of the face of the plumber's neck putter and horizontally toward the heel of the plumber's neck putter.

Therefore, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a plumber's neck putter, comprising a putter head that further comprises a heel end, a toe end opposite to the heel end, a putting face, and a a top surface. A hosel attaches the putter head to a shaft. The hosel comprises a first portion, a second portion and a socket with an opening for receiving a shaft. The first portion extends upward from the top surface of the putter head. The second portion extends from the first portion in forward direction off of the putting face and includes a horizontal offset that extends towards the heel end of the putter head. The socket extends from the second portion and has an opening defined therein configured to receive the shaft.

In one embodiment, there is provided a plumber's neck putter with two dimensional offset both forward off the face and horizontally towards the heel. This combination of offsets offers two distinct advantages. First, this plumber's neck can be mounted near the center of the putter head instead of the heel and can still achieve a face balanced or toe hang setup by varying the amount of the horizontal offset. This horizontal offset dimension can be customized to allow any degree of toe hang. Second, the leading edge of the second portion, which is perpendicular to the face of the putter, provides a simple alignment mechanism at setup.

A player who uses a line on the ball will find it very simple to align the leading edge of the second portion over top of the line on the ball to guarantee that the putting surface is aligned perfectly to the intended target line. Consistent positioning of the putter grip at address both horizontally and vertically is a critical element of putting success. By aligning the leading edge of the second portion of the hosel in a continuous line with a line engraved on the back of the putter head, the player is assured that the putter grip is in the correct position vertically and that the putter head is perfectly soled on the ground. Additionally, by aligning the back of the first portion of the hosel such that it is perfectly vertical to the eye, the player is assured that the putter handle is positioned correctly horizontally.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals throughout the figures identify substantially similar components, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the head and hosel of a plumber's neck putter with a double offset, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the putter head aligned with a line on a golf ball, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the plumber's neck putter shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the plumber's neck putter shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the plumber's neck hosel, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the plumber's neck hosel, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 is another elevational view of the plumber's neck hosel, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the plumber's neck hosel, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For a further understanding of the nature and function of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein, as well as, the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that the embodiments are well adapted to carry out and obtain the ends and features mentioned as well as those inherent herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting, as the specific details disclosed herein provide a basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. It should be understood that the devices, materials, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein are presently representative of various embodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.

At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, debris, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof, (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or of rotation, as appropriate.

As used herein, “plumber's neck putter” is characterized by a horizontal bend below where the shaft meets the hosel. A “hosel” means a structure having a socket into which the shaft is inserted and connects the shaft to the putter head. A “putter” is a club used in the sport of golf to make relatively short and low-speed strokes with the intention of rolling the ball into the hole from a short distance away. A “putter head” is the head portion of the putter.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-8 , the basic constructional details and principles of operation of embodiments of a plumber's neck putter 100 according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be discussed.

Referring to FIG. 1 thereof, this invention provides a plumber's neck putter 100, having a putter head 16, and a hosel 10. The putter head 16 includes a heel end 31, a toe end 46 opposite to the heel end 31, a putting surface 25, a rear surface 26 opposite to the putting surface 25, a top surface 13, and a bottom surface 14. The double offset plumbers neck hosel 10 of the present invention is shown in connection with one style of putter head 16 for demonstration purposes of connection locations and features of use. It will be evident to those or ordinary skill in the art that various sizes, shapes, and materials of putter heads may be envisioned and utilized with the double offset plumbers neck hosel 10 without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

The hosel 10 is configured for attaching the putter head 16 to a shaft (not shown in Figures). The hosel 10 may be attached near the center of the putter head 16 such that the leading horizontal edge of the second portion is aligned over the center of the putter head 16 and the center of gravity of the putter head 16. The hosel 10 includes an elongated first portion 19, a second portion 22, and a socket 44 having an opening 43 configured to receive a shaft. The elongated first portion 19 extends upwards from the top surface 13 of the putter head 16.

The second portion 22 extends from the first elongated portion 19 in a forward direction relative to the putting face 25. The second portion 22 also extends laterally to form a horizontal offset extending towards the heel end 31 of the putter head 16. The opening 43 in the socket 44 forms a medial offset at the second portion 22 to receive the shaft (not shown in Figures). In a preferred embodiment, the opening 43 in the socket 44 extends at an angle from the second portion 22 to form the lie angle of the putter.

The hosel 10 may be attached to the top surface 13 of the putter head 16 or formed integrally with the putter head 16. The hosel 10 is a plumber's neck style with the elongated first portion 19 extending upward from the top surface 13 of the putter head 16. The second portion 22 has a wide section 28 that may extend at the same width along the entire length of the second portion 22.

The second portion 22 further includes a leading edge 34 aligning with center of the putter head 16. The second portion 22 forms a horizontal offset that extends from the leading edge 34 toward the heel end 31 of the putter head 16. The leading edge 34 of the second portion 22 aligns with the center of the putter head 16 and is disposed perpendicular to the putting face 25 on the putter head 16.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the putter head 16 aligned with a line 35 on a golf ball 37, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The leading edge 34 of the wide portion 28 allows a user to align the leading edge 34 of the second portion 22 over the top of the line 35 on a ball 37 to guarantee that the putting face 25 of the putter head 16 is aligned square to the intended target line 35. The leading edge 34 of the second portion 22 when aligned in a straight line with the engraved line 47 on the back of the putter head 16 assures the correct position of the putter handle vertically and that the putter is soled correctly at address.

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the putter head 16 and hosel 10, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The heel end 31 of the putter head 16 is shown. The elongated first portion 19 of the hosel 10 extends upward from the top surface 13 of the putter head 16. The second portion 22 extends to the left of the elongated first portion 19 in front of the putting face 25 of the putter head 16. The opening 43 in the socket 44 is shown at a height above the second portion 22.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the putter head 16 and hosel 10, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The toe end 46 is opposite to the heel end 31. The ball hits the putting face 25 of the putter's head 16. The leading edge 34 is disposed on the second portion 22. As shown the second portion 22 extends along a wide section 28 that extends from the center toward the heel end 31.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the plumber's neck hosel 10, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The leading edge 34 and the wide section 28 forming the horizontal offset for the socket 44 is best shown. It would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various shapes and sizes of the opening 43 may be configured to receive the shaft (not shown in Figures) without deviating from the scope of the invention. In addition to varying the shapes and sizes of the opening 43, the dimensions of the first and second portion 19, 22 may also be varied to accommodate a players preference also without deviating from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the hosel 10, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The hosel 10 may have a bottom face 52 that is mounted to the top end (13, shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 ) of the putter head 16 and the portion 19 may have a side disposed flush with the putting face (25, best shown in FIG. 4 ) of the putter head 16.

FIG. 7 is another elevational view of the hosel 10, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The opening 43 in the socket 44 forms a medial offset at the second portion 22.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hosel 10, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The wide section 28 forming the horizontal offset enables the plumber's neck style hosel of the present invention to be mounted at the center of the putter head 16. This provides for the leading edge 34 on the second portion 22 to be at the center of the putter head 16 to align over the top of the line (35, shown in FIG. 2 ) on the ball (37, shown in FIG. 2 ).

The hosel 10 of the present invention is shown in connection with one style of putter head 16. It will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that various sizes, shapes, and material of plumber's neck putter may be envisioned without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

The double offset plumber's neck is an improvement over the traditional plumber's neck which may be used on many modem putters. Unlike the traditional plumber's neck that has a one dimensional offset forward from the face of the putter, the double offset version according to the present invention has a two dimensional offset both forward off the face and horizontally towards the heel.

This combination of offsets offers four distinct advantages. First, this plumber's neck may be mounted near the center with the second portion aligned over the center of the putter head instead of the heel and still achieve a face balanced or toe hang balanced setup by varying the amount of the horizontal offset. This horizontal offset (toward the heel of the putter head) dimension may be customized to allow any degree of toe hang. Second, the leading edge of the second portion, which is perpendicular to the face of the putter, provides a simple alignment mechanism at setup. A player who uses a line on the ball will find it very simple to align the leading edge of the second portion over top of the line on the ball to guarantee that the putter clubface is aligned perfectly to the intended target line. Third, the horizontal leading edge of the second portion, when aligned in a straight line with a second horizontal line engraved on the back of the putter head ensures that the putter handle is in the correct position vertically and that the putter is soled properly on the ground. Fourth, aligning the vertical back edge of the first portion perfectly vertically, ensures that the putter handle is in the correct position horizontally. The combination of these features at setup ensures correct alignment to the intended starting line and consistently correct putter handle location.

The present invention contemplates that many changes and modifications may be made. Therefore, while the presently-preferred form of the plumber's neck putter with a double offset has been shown and described, and several modifications and alternatives discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Product information and promotional information is preferably applied to the rear surfaces of the plumber's neck hosel, and or front, rear, or sole of the putter head, as tailored to a user's desired marketing strategies. Advertising with the plumber's neck putter 100 provides mechanisms to promote specific marketing initiatives, including promoting various features and techniques.

Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.

The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may be very well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the orders of the processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.

Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. The components of the system including the arrangements and related technologies mentioned above are collectively used to improve performance of the plumber's neck putter.

Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims. 

The claimed invention is:
 1. A plumber's neck putter, comprising: a putter head having a heel end; a toe end opposite to the heel end; a putting face disposed on the putter head; a top surface disposed on the putter head; and a hosel for attaching the putter head to a shaft, the hosel comprising: an elongated first portion extending upward from the top surface of the putter head; a second portion extending from the first portion in forward direction relative to the putting face, the second portion further comprises a leading edge aligning with the center of the putter head, the second portion also having a width forming a horizontal offset extending toward the heel end of the putter head; and a socket extending from the second portion at an angle toward the heel end.
 2. The plumber's neck putter according to claim 1, wherein an opening in the socket extends at an angle from the second portion.
 3. The plumber's neck putter according to claim 1, wherein the leading edge aligns with center of the putter head and extends perpendicular to the putting face and is configured to coincide with an alignment line on a golf ball.
 4. The plumber's neck putter according to claim 3 wherein the leading edge is disposed perpendicular to the putting face.
 5. The plumber's neck putter according to claim 1, wherein an opening in the socket extends from the second portion towards the heel end of the putter head.
 6. The plumber's neck putter according to claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a wide section that extends at substantially the same width along length of the second portion.
 7. The plumber's neck putter according to claim 1, wherein the hosel is attached to the top surface of the putter head at the center of the putter head.
 8. A hosel for attaching a putter head, having a heel end and a putting face, to a shaft, the hosel comprising: a. an elongate first portion having a first end configured to attach to the putter head; b. a second portion extending from the first portion in a forward direction relative to the putter face, the second portion further comprises a leading edge aligning with the center of the putter head, the second portion also having a width forming a horizontal offset extending toward the heel end of the putter head; and c. a socket extending toward the heel end of the putter head.
 9. The hosel according to claim 8, wherein the socket extends at an angle from the second portion.
 10. The hosel according to claim 8, wherein the leading edge aligns with the center of the putter head and extends perpendicular to the putting face and is configured to coincide with an alignment line on a golf ball.
 11. The hosel according to claim 8, wherein the leading edge is disposed perpendicular to the putting face.
 12. The hosel according to claim 8, wherein the socket extends from the second portion toward the heel end of the putter head.
 13. The hosel according to claim 8, wherein the second portion comprises a wide section that extends at substantially the same width along the length of the second portion.
 14. The hosel according to claim 8, wherein the hosel is configured to be attached at the center of the putter head. 